Runaya Metsource and Germany-based ECKART have announced the launch of their joint venture facility, Runaya Eckart Aluminium Powders Private Limited (REL), in Jharsuguda, Odisha, marking the establishment of India’s first plant for manufacturing green, spherical gas-atomised aluminium powders.The facility will produce high-precision aluminium powders for advanced applications across aviation, aerospace, space exploration, solar technology, process catalyst industries and effect pigments. These fine spherical powders, which were previously fully imported into India, represent a significant milestone in strengthening domestic manufacturing of high-value materials. Effect pigments manufactured using these powders are widely used to create shimmer, sparkle and colour-shifting effects in products across multiple industries.At the core of the REL facility is a sophisticated atomisation process in which molten aluminium is atomised under inert conditions at high temperature and pressure. This results in uniform, spherical powders with a mean particle size of around 15 microns, which can be customised to meet specific customer requirements. The plant will also manufacture specialised aluminium alloy powders to support emerging high-technology manufacturing applications.The spherical morphology of the powders enhances performance across a range of critical uses, including paints and coatings, automotive and aerospace components, solar pastes for silicon solar cells, process catalysts, refractory materials and titanium dioxide manufacturing.The joint venture brings together ECKART’s global leadership in aluminium powders and effect pigments with Runaya’s circular economy-driven manufacturing expertise. ECKART supplies aluminium pigments to leading paint and coatings manufacturers worldwide, while Runaya focuses on waste-to-wealth and low-carbon material solutions.“This joint venture strengthens India’s ability to produce high-value finished goods by enabling the domestic manufacture of advanced aluminium powders,” said Naivedya Agarwal, Managing Director, Runaya. “Beyond expanding capacity, this facility represents an important step in India’s shift from basic metal supply to the development of engineered materials.”“Our partnership with Runaya marks a powerful confluence of technology, sustainability, and innovation,” said Dr. Christian Przybyla, CEO, ECKART. “This collaboration signifies our entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.”The facility is expected to reduce import dependence, shorten supply chains and enhance resilience for multiple strategic industries in India.